Local tributes to remember 9/11 attacks

At least two Jefferson City area events will memorialize the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

The Cole County Historical Society’s second Remembering 9/11 event will be today, starting at 5:30 p.m. in the society’s courtyard.

The Historical Society fundraiser will feature speeches from four veterans, including one who was a prisoner of war and one who was working in the Pentagon the day it was attacked on Sept. 11, 2001.

The whole purpose of the event is to unite people to remember the national tragedy, while also listening to entertaining stories from people who served our country, society board member Sherrie Brandt said.

She acknowledged that remembering isn’t always easy. Brandt knows this firsthand — she lost a college friend on Sept. 11, 2001, who was working at the World Trade Center.

She said before the attacks, she had a sense that she needed to call her friend. “Jesus had come along and tapped me on the shoulder,” she said. “I called her and had a really nice talk, and three days later this happened.”

Today’s event will feature wine, cheese and other hors d’ouerves.

The speakers are:

• Retired Lt. Col. Terry Walker, who was a pilot and flight instructor in the Air Force.

• Wilburn Rowden and Ralph Kalberloh, both World War II veterans and former prisoners of war.

• Don Hentges, a Vietnam veteran.

• Rod Burnett, a retired Marine Corps colonel who was working in the Pentagon when it was attacked on Sept. 11, 2001.

Tickets can be bought at the gate. They are $20 for individuals or $35 for a couple. Veterans pay $15 for individuals and $30 for couples.

KRCG’s Rod Smith will emcee the event, and tours of the Historical Society Museum will be offered free of charge.

Historical Society President Lorraine Adkins encouraged people to attend “if you are patriotic and remember the horror we had on 9/11. We lost so many boys since then because of it.”

Blair Oaks plans 9/11 events

Blair Oaks students are planning events in Wardsville to memorialize the victims who perished in the Sept. 11 attacks.

Blair Oaks Middle School will hold a Pep and Patriot Assembly at 2 p.m. today. American Legion members will visit the school to discuss flag etiquette and retire two flags.

Five veterans from VFW Post 1003 will meet with the students to teach them how to treat the American flag with respect.

“They will be learning the significance of each fold and seeing a flag retirement ceremony,” said Principal Julia Gampher. “The veterans are planning to talk about each of the things they do to show reverence to the flag.”

Also at the event, students who participate in fall activities will be recognized and the school’s band and choir will perform a patriotic medley.

At the high school, the Blair Oaks Student Council will place 2,976 flags on the lawn outside the high school to pay tribute to the victims of the attacks.